Turning Garden Peppers Into Yogurt Starter: My Accidental DIY Discovery

Do you ever find yourself with a garden full of chili peppers and a craving for homemade yogurt? No? Just me? Well, I’m about to share how these two unlikely companions led me to create my own yogurt starter. And trust me, it tastes way better than it sounds.

The Quest for the Perfect Yogurt Starter

So there I was, diving deep into the world of yogurt starters. You know, those little packets you can order online. The more I read, the more I frowned. Limited shelf life? Special storage needs? Always buying more? Nope, not for this gal. I wanted a yogurt starter that didn’t rely on store-bought stuff. You know, something I could make from what I had around the house. After the wild ride of 2020, being able to whip up my own yogurt seemed like a pretty handy skill to have in my back pocket

A Spicy Discovery

Turns out, the answer was growing in my backyard all along. Chili peppers! Yeah, you heard me right. Those fiery little peppers aren’t just for spicing up your dinner – they can be used to make a yogurt starter.

My Chili Pepper Abundance

Now, let me tell you, I was pretty excited about this discovery. Why? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a mountain of chili peppers from your garden, wondering how on earth you’re going to use them all. Suddenly, I had another use for my chili peppers that was as unexpected as it was perfect.

The Process

Now, I won’t lie to you. This isn’t your typical yogurt-making process. It’s a bit of a journey. First, you make a starter using the chili peppers. You will then make your first yogurt batch. Fair warning: at first this will smell and taste like chilis. Don’t panic! It’s all part of the plan. Then you make a second batch. This is where you have created your delicious creamy yogurt.

What to Do with Your First Batch

You might be thinking, “What on earth do I do with chili-flavored yogurt?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. It makes an amazing creamy enchilada sauce. If that’s not your cup of tea, then you can add it into a tomato-based sauce. This adds a very small amount of kick, without being overbearing. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

The Magic Second Batch

Here’s where it gets interesting. When you use that starter to make your second batch, something magical happens. The chili taste and smell? Gone. Poof. Disappeared. What you’re left with is this incredibly smooth, tangy yogurt.

Why I Love This Homemade Yogurt Starter Recipe

Look, I’m no professional cook. But there’s something pretty cool about turning peppers from my backyard into creamy yogurt. It’s like garden magic. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties. “Oh, this dip? Yeah, I made it with yogurt from my homegrown chili peppers.”.

So, next time you’re eyeing that pile of chili peppers, wondering if you can possibly eat one more spicy stir-fry, give this a shot. Worst case scenario? You’ve got some killer enchilada sauce. Best case? You’re enjoying homemade yogurt with a pretty awesome backstory.

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever tried something this wild with your garden goodies? I want to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and let’s swap garden-to-table stories. And hey, if you give this pepper yogurt a go, let me know how it turns out!